Ocellated skink

Stands out with its striking ocelli, or eye-like markings, that adorn its sleek body

Guy Haimovitch

This reptile is also known as the eyed skink or the jeweled skink because of its colorful markings. Ocellated skinks are native to North Africa and the Middle East, where they live in dry and sandy habitats.

Ocellated skinks are not only beautiful but also fascinating. They have some unique adaptations that help them survive in their environment. For example, they can burrow under the sand to escape predators or extreme temperatures. They can also detach their tails if they are grabbed by an enemy. The tail will wiggle and distract the attacker while the skink runs away. Ocellated skinks are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plants and animals. They feed on insects, spiders, worms, seeds, fruits and flowers.

Distribution

Country
Population est.
Status
Year
Comments
Algeria
2016
Cyprus
2016
Egypt
2016
France
2016
Greece
2016
Iran
2016
Iraq
2016
Israel
2016
Italy
2016
Jordan
2016
Kuwait
2016
Lebanon
2016
Libya
2016
Mali
2016
Malta
2016
Mauritania
2016
Morocco
2016
Oman
2016
Pakistan
2016
Origin Uncertain
Saudi Arabia
2016
Somalia
2016
Spain
2016
Sudan
2016
Tunisia
2016
Turkey
2016
Turkmenistan
2016
Origin Uncertain
UAE
2016
United States
2016
Introduced
Yemen
2016

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Terrestrial / Aquatic

Altricial / Precocial

Polygamous / Monogamous

Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic

Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal

Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd

Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore

Migratory: Yes / No

Domesticated: Yes / No

Dangerous: Yes / No